Full job description
Projects
Position Number: P01087
Directorate: OCEO
Service: Executive Councillor Support, OCEO
Location: Katoomba Head Quarters
Date Updated 19/06/2025
Position Classification: Band: 11
POSITION PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE
The Program Leader, Partnerships and Special Projects, works closely with the Chief
Executive Officer in leading the development, coordination, and delivery of a range of
important partnership and special project initiatives.
The role guides implementation of a more strategic approach to the development and
maintenance of key partnerships with other government and non-government agencies,
NSW councils, community groups, local businesses, and stakeholders – that support the
Council in achieving a more sustainable and successful Blue Mountains - environmentally,
socially and economically and in terms of its inspiring civic leadership.
The role supports the CEO in implementing special project initiatives, as required, that
are of significant benefit to the organization and / or the City. It contributes to a culture of
innovation and continuous improvement and provides strong leadership in strategic and
business planning, project management, stakeholder engagement and advocacy.
RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: (Position Title): Chief Executive Officer
Report to: (Position Number) P00001
Staff Responsibility: Project Officer, Partnerships and Special Projects
(P01088)
Key Internal Relationships: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre
Environmental Trust Senior Lead
Program Leader, Business Performance
Development, OCEO
Executive Business Manager OCEO
Executive Assistant to CEO, OCEO
Directors, Managers and other staff with each of the
Council Directorates across the organisation.
Key External Relationships: Other government non-government agencies,
business and other consultants, legal advisors, Blue
Mountains residents, other NSW councils.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
This position reports to the CEO and is located at Katoomba Head Quarters.
The Office of the CEO (OCEO) comprises the following services:
Audit Risk Service
Communications Marketing
Customer Experience Service
Executive Councillor Support
Governance Compliance Service
Partnerships Special Projects Service
Safety Hazardous Materials Service
The OCEO Directorate operates within a dynamic and responsive working environment
that revolves around the requirements of the organisation, the Council’s Governing
body, other government and non-government agencies and the community.
This position works closely with the CEO, the Program Leader, Business Performance
Development, the Executive Business Manager and with key staff at the Planetary
Health Centre as well as other Directorates and Groups within the organisation including
Strategy Corporate Services, Environment and Planning Services, Culture
Community Services and Infrastructure Project Delivery Services.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction and guidance of the CEO:
Lead and / or support delivery of Special Projects and / or key Partnership
initiatives that provide significant benefit to the organisation and/ or the City of Blue
Mountains.
Oversee development and implementation of a high-level organisational strategic
framework to guide the Council’s approach to forming and maintaining strategic
Partnerships with key external stakeholders.
Establish productive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders as
required to support implementation of partnership and special project initiatives.
Lead projects and programs and manage multi-disciplinary project teams as
required that work across a variety of stakeholder environments.
Work positively and effectively in the role within the context of the responsibilities of
this position and with a continuous improvement ethos.
Work closely with the CEO and the Planetary Health Initiative, to support the Blue
Mountains Planetary Health Centre to fulfil its aims and be a financially self-
sufficient entity – including supporting strategic business planning and reporting,
providing support for the implementation of revenue raising programs, projects and
initiatives, supporting development of sound governance and administration of the
Centre, as well as implementation of key programs, project and partnership
initiatives - so that it achieves its Vision of being:
“A Centre of Excellence for Planetary Health providing local, national and
international leadership through a Blue Mountains lens…The Centre will be a
lighthouse of hope demonstrating innovative and creative ways to regenerate
natural systems, improve the health and well-being of all life and live in harmony
with the natural world.”
Work closely with the CEO and the Planetary Health Initiative, to support the
successful development, management and implementation of the Blue Mountains
Planetary Health Environmental Trust - including if required, provision of high-
level Secretariat services for Trust committee meetings and support in the
development, governance, operation and reporting of Trust project and revenue
raising initiatives.
Act in accordance with the requirements of the law and Council’s Code of Conduct,
WHS and other relevant policies; and
Maintain confidentiality of the CEO and the Council and act in a manner that
promotes integrity, honesty, good judgement and transparency in work processes.
BMCC Organisational Guiding Principles
We act as one organisation responding to the changing needs of our community
while protecting and enhancing our World Heritage environment
We are strategy led, driven by our Community Strategic Plan - Sustainable Blue
Mountains 2050 - with clear priorities and focus
We are service focused we continuously improve service provision and provide
excellent customer service
We collaborate and work together to achieve our outcomes
We ensure safety and well-being is at the centre of our organisation, operations and
culture for our employees, our community and our environment
We are a socially, environmentally and financially sustainable organisation, living
within our means, ensuring best value resource allocation
These Guidelines complement the Council’s adopted Values of: Work Together; Work
Safe Home safe; Service Excellence; Value for Money; Trust and Respect; and,
Supporting Community.
Workplace Health Safety
Ensure compliance with WHS obligations and responsibilities as outlined in Councils
policies and procedures and under the relevant WHS legislation. These include but are
not limited to:
Identifying potentially unsafe situations or work practices and notifying your
Supervisor or Manager (or the Health, Safety Manager/Area Safety Representative);
Never performing a task that you believe is dangerous or for which you do not have
the experience, or have not received appropriate instructions and training or where
the correct equipment to carry out the task safely is not available;
Always working in a safe manner and in accordance with safety instructions, where
applicable;
Using the work equipment supplied for the job, in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions), and any personal protective equipment, which the
Council deems necessary and has provided;
As required, provide general strategic and operational support to the CEO in the
running of the organization and the Office of the CEO.
Be safety aware and responsible and assist the Council to meet its legal workplace
health and safety obligations. You have the right to cease or direct cessation of
unsafe work. In addition, you are required at all times to comply with Councils
Asbestos Management Plan and Policy.
COMMUNICATION
This role requires highly developed communication skills to effectively engage a diverse
range of stakeholders, including the CEO, BMCC Directors, Managers and key staff,
government and non-government agencies, industry partners, and key organisations
and stakeholders within the Blue Mountains community.
In their communications, the Program Leader must be aligned to the Council’s Vision of
being a more a more sustainable and successful Blue Mountains – environmentally,
socially and economically. They must be able to translate complex concepts into clear,
accessible language for varied audiences, facilitate workshops and consultations, and
prepare high-quality written materials such as reports, funding proposals, policy
documents, and briefings.
Strong interpersonal skills are essential for building trust, managing differing
perspectives, and advocating for sustainability initiatives in a collaborative and
solutions-focused manner. The ability to represent Council in public forums and work
constructively in politically sensitive environments is also critical.
The position requires a high level of client service skills when communicating with staff
at all levels, councillors, other agencies and the community. Persuasive skills including
high level negotiation and conflict management skills, are required in the development
and implementation of new approaches / directions.
JUDGEMENT PROBLEM SOLVING
This role requires sound judgement and strong problem-solving capabilities to navigate
complex challenges and make informed decisions in a dynamic local government
environment.
The Program Leader must be able to assess competing priorities, evaluate risks, and
balance environmental, social, financial, and political considerations, when developing
solutions.
They should demonstrate the ability to identify emerging issues and opportunities, think
strategically, and apply evidence-based approaches to guide project design and
delivery. The role also demands initiative in addressing roadblocks, adaptability in
managing changing circumstances, and the confidence to make recommendations and
take accountability for outcomes, often within tight timeframes and autonomy.
The position will be required to set and balance their work priorities with broader council
needs.
AUTHORITY
The position will be accountable and hold authority under the CEO for leading,
supporting and coordinating a range of key strategic partnerships and special project
initiatives focused at the whole of Council and whole of City levels.
The position will work closely with the CEO and the Senior Lead, Planetary Health
Initiative, to support the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre and associated
Environmental Trust, to fulfill their overall aims and become financially self-sufficient
through assisting with strategic business planning and reporting, providing support for
the implementation of revenue raising programs, projects and initiatives, supporting
development of sound governance and administration of the Centre, as well as
implementation of key programs, project and partnership initiatives.
SKILL, EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES
Essential:
Proven qualifications, skills and experience in leading, developing and managing a
range of projects, programs, partnerships and multi-disciplinary project teams to
achieve significant positive outcomes.
Ability to plan, manage, implement, evaluate and report on projects and programs
from concept to completion.
Proven skills and experience in developing and maintaining strategic partnerships that
deliver tangible benefits – including demonstrated track record of building successful
partnerships and securing external funding (e.g. grants).
Strong verbal, presentation and interpersonal skills, including advocacy and ability to
negotiate and work well with diverse stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to prepare a wide range of clear,
concise, and well-structured project plans, documents, presentations and funding
applications tailored to different audiences.
High-level skills and experience in leading, developing and implementing business
planning and reporting and supporting sound governance and administration.
High level Information Technology computer skills relevant and applicable to the role.
Experience in financial and/ or budget management and reporting.
Desirable:
Proven experience in leading sustainability (environmental, social, economic, civic
leadership) focused projects, programs and / or Centres of activity.
Knowledge of local government operations, community expectations, and
environmental legislation.
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